A 12-YEAR-OLD boy deemed a public menace has signed on the dotted line and pledged to stay out of trouble.

A 12-YEAR-OLD boy deemed a public menace has signed on the dotted line and pledged to stay out of trouble.

He has become the first youngster in Flintshire to sign an acceptable behaviour contract (ABC), the latest weapon in the fight against anti-social behaviour.

The contracts last six months and are aimed at those aged 10 and over.

A committee comprising police officers, Social Services, housing officials, youth offending teams and other agencies, has been set up to consider cases where an ABC may be appropriate.

The 12-year-old agreed to sign a contract after he was caught hanging around an estate with a gang, throwing eggs, causing a nuisance at a supermarket and vandalising empty property.

The aim of the contract is to encourage troublesome youngsters to change their ways.

Those who sign draw up a list of what is acceptable behaviour and agree to act in a proper manner.

Although ABCs have no legal clout, they are an effective way of persuading the offender that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated and can lead to more serious repercussions.

These include anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs), where a breach of the strict code of conduct can lead to custody.

But it is hoped ABCs will be sufficient to steer teenage tearaways away from crime and anti-social behaviour.

The initiative is aimed at youngsters who live in council and housing association properties.

The committee decide whether they should be the subject of a contract or ASBO.

Sgt Andy Massey, community safety sergeant for North Wales Police's Eastern Division, said: 'The ABCs give youngsters a real chance to improve their behaviour and we believe they can be extremely effective.

'So far we have issued one ABC but another seven or eight are being lined up. Although the order is signed on a voluntary basis, the scheme has proved very effective in places like Islington.'